Government Declares Holiday on 5 February For Presidential Address

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has declared Thursday, 5 February 2026, a government holiday, according to an announcement issued by the President’s Office today.

The declaration was made through Directive No. 3/2026. The President’s Office said the holiday reflects the long-standing practice of observing a government holiday on the day the presidential address is delivered to the People’s Majlis, as provided for under Article 84 of the Constitution of the Republic of Maldives.

Parliament has been in recess since 3 December 2025, following the completion of its legislative work for the previous year. 

However, two extraordinary sittings were convened earlier this month, on 5 and 6 January, at the request of the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC). The sessions were held to consider a proposed constitutional amendment bill and related matters.

The proposed amendment seeks to merge presidential and parliamentary elections and to shorten the term of the current 20th Parliament.

The bill which was submitted by PNC parliamentary group leader and Inguraidhoo MP Ibrahim Falah is currently under review by the Judiciary Committee. The committee has opened the proposed amendment for public comment until 15 January.

Parliamentary sources have indicated that further extraordinary sittings are expected in the coming days as lawmakers seek to finalise the bill ahead of the official opening of the parliamentary year.